Ask Dr. Asa: Vitamins & Minerals

Q: I am on a great weight loss program and have lost almost 40 pounds. Recently I have been having leg cramps at night. What do you think could be the issue? I thought I was getting healthier? — Rebecca

No matter who you are. No matter where you come from. We all have a trace of something. Traces of different individual traits we have developed throughout the years. They make us who we are. A trace of habits. A trace of skill. A trace of kindness. A trace of knowledge. Sometimes these traces of our human physiological and psychological traits will come and go. However, they all are necessary to make us a balanced individual. Take one of them away, and we are just not the same. There are traces of use that make up our entire person.

We have amazing personality gifts and talents to use in making an impact in this world. That is why we have so many. And they are all key components to who we are.

Similarly, the body needs certain “trace” minerals, which are some of the missing links in our diet today. They fill in the blanks in many of our bodily processes. We just don’t get the needed minerals from our depleted soil anymore. The U.S Department of Agriculture stated that our soil has rapidly depleted itself of key vitamins and minerals since the early 1930″s. Because of this, our foods are lacking key nutrients to help our body function at optimal levels. Sure we can take multivitamins and take multi-minerals. However, most do not contain the delicate trace minerals that our bodies desperately need. From hormone balance, to bone strength, to maintaining lean muscle, to mental acuity, to proper nervous system function, to proper fertility, cardiovascular health, and digestion, trace minerals are essential to keep in our daily diet regimen. Recently I met with a close friend who is a physician. He is in his mid-50’s and has been using trace mineral supplementation for 15 years. With strong Italian roots, his father’s hair began turning gray in his early 40’s. However, my friend has not turned gray at all!! It is because he has kept up the trace minerals in his body.

A listener on my radio show we will call “Sarah”, had suffered for years with chronic tiredness and lack of energy. She recently found that her trace minerals were low through her doctor. After 2 days of taking the trace minerals supplement, Sarah said her energy levels began to climb rapidly. Why? Remember the body always seeks to be in balance. When any of our systems become altered slightly, our body will slow down in those areas to preserve what it has left. By giving the body what it needs in any area, we will secure balance, and experience the vibrant health we are intended to have.

So the cramping in your legs could be from the weight loss, certain dietary or nutritional deficiencies. It would be good to talk with your doctor about getting a blood test for vitamin D. It is the catalyst that allows most minerals in the body to function properly.

(Dr. Asa will be answering questions from around the world and sharing them with us to help you live your best life. If you have a question or topic you would like Dr. Asa to address send an email to clane@timesunion.com or comment to this or any of the posts)

Dr. Asa Andrew, America’s Health Coach, MD® , is a national best-selling author, host of daily nationally syndicated radio and television shows,Dr. Asa On Call, contributor to NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, AND FOX news, and a lifestyle, wellness, and health transformation specialist. Along with being CEO of his companies, Dr. Asa has founded Diagnosis HOPE, a non-profit dedicated to health education and supporting the uninsured. He has dedicated his life to helping others thrive in their health through his media programs, live events, television appearances, and educational programs. Listen LIVE Weekdays from 8pm – Mid EST. Check local show listings and get more information here. Follow Dr. Asa on twitter at or o